Which one of the following is the cause of long-term sea-level change?

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Q: 38 (CDS-I/2016)

Which one of the following is the cause of long-term sea-level change?

question_subject: 

Science

question_exam: 

CDS-I

stats: 

0,16,83,15,15,52,17

keywords: 

{'term sea': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'atmospheric disturbance': [0, 0, 1, 0], 'level change': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'marine water density': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'icebergs': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'melting': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'change': [0, 0, 1, 7], 'cause': [1, 0, 0, 2], 'ice sheets': [0, 0, 0, 1]}

Option 1: Atmospheric disturbance refers to changes in weather patterns and atmospheric conditions. While it can cause short-term variations in sea level, it is not a significant contributor to long-term sea-level change.

Option 2: Change in marine water density can affect regional variations in sea level, but it does not directly contribute to long-term sea-level change.

Option 3: Melting of icebergs can contribute to short-term fluctuations in sea level, particularly at local scales. However, it is not a primary cause of long-term sea-level change.

Option 4: The melting of ice sheets, such as those in Greenland and Antarctica, is a significant cause of long-term sea-level change. As these massive ice sheets melt, they add excess water to the oceans, resulting in a rise in sea level over time. This process is currently a major concern due to climate change and global warming.

In conclusion, option 4 - Melting of ice sheets is the correct answer as it is the primary cause of long-term sea-level change.